Global temperatures forecast to exceed 1.5 degrees – Red Cross calling for urgent climate action at the Climate Change Conference

The world is on course to exceed the 1.5-degree warming limit set out in the Paris Agreement. The question now is by how much and for how long the limit will be exceeded. Whatever the case may be, the climate crisis is exacerbating the conditions that contribute to extreme weather events. This year alone, tens of thousands of people have died as a result of the flash floods in Nepal and the record-breaking heatwaves in Europe. 

The Red Cross is taking part in the UN Climate Change Conference

The UN Climate Change Conference will take place in Antalya, Turkey, from 9 to 20 November. The Finnish Red Cross will be making its voice heard at the conference as part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Red Cross emphasises that countries must implement sufficient emissions reductions to ensure that any breach of the 1.5-degree limit is temporary and as short-lived as possible.

“With current measures, global warming could rise to almost three degrees by the end of the century. That would have serious consequences for people and communities. That is why we need to act urgently on emissions. Every tenth of a degree avoided and every successful adaptation measure reduces the risks,” says Climate Change Specialist Paula Uski from the Finnish Red Cross.

The impact of climate policy on human health

At the conference, the Red Cross will highlight, in particular, the views of local people and their insights into the impacts of the climate crisis on people.  The Red Cross emphasises that countries’ climate decisions must be based on the protection of people’s health, safety and wellbeing.

Heatwaves, floods, droughts and other extreme weather events are increasing humanitarian needs around the world.  

“The greatest burden falls on those who have the least opportunity to protect themselves or recover. In the coming years, every effort must be made to ensure that people and communities have the chance to adapt to and prepare for the worsening effects of climate change. Climate financing must be channelled urgently towards local adaptation and preparedness, as doing so will both save lives and reduce damage to property,” says Uski.

The success of climate policy is not measured solely by emissions reductions or investment, but by how well it protects people’s health, safety, human dignity and ability to cope in a changing climate.